North Yorkshire second lowest crime location, but some crimes increase

North Yorkshire is still one of the safest places in England, however the number of crimes has increased overall, including in some key areas.

A total of 34,499 crimes took place in North Yorkshire in 2014 - an increase of 75 crimes, or 0.2 per cent, on the previous year according to an Office for National Statistics report published this month.

Though figures indicate that the North Yorkshire Police area is the second lowest crime location in the country, the number of sexual offences rose by 45 per cent - 971 incidents in total, 303 of which have been dealt with.

Police say, however, that this rise reflects the confidence victims have in them.

Figures show 30,475 victim-based crimes, which have decreased by one per cent, while there was an 11 per cent increase in crimes against society, including drug and public order offences.

Robbery increased by 11 per cent, drug offences increased by 14 per cent, and violence against the person was also up, by 14 per cent to 7,002 cases, though the police say this is almost entirely attributable to the violence without injury category.

North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Dave Jones said: “2014 was a momentous and challenging year in the history of North Yorkshire Police, with our new Operational Policing Model being rolled out and embedded, and supporting the successful delivery of the Tour de France Yorkshire Grand Départ.

“Our officers and staff have demonstrated sheer tenacity in tackling serious and organised crime, particularly the unstinting work of our Major Crime Unit to progress highly complex investigations.

“Operation Hawk also continues to go from strength to strength in preventing and targeting travelling criminals who mistakenly think they can prey upon our most vulnerable and rural communities.

“Together with the Police and Crime Commissioner and through effective partnership working within the county and across the region, we pledge that there will be no let-up in our effort to keep people safe and secure.”

ONS figures also show an increase in possession of weapons offences, but domestic burglaries and criminal damage and arson dropped. Theft, offences against motorvehicles, and public order offences also decreased.

Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan said: “North Yorkshire continues to be one of the safest places to live in the country.

“We have achieved this despite meeting challenging savings targets and I believe we can carry on improving policing while saving money.”